I knew when I was coming to Kansas City for the first time that I would have some really strong feelings about barbecue. As one of the “Big Four” BBQ capitals in the United States, you have generations of culinary technique and flavor traditions in every dish you serve. It’s a whirlwind of meats and sauces. So a newbie like you and I need a good place to start and get a quick education on what Kansas City BBQ is all about here.

With Tour Kansas City, I got a real VIP experience. In a comfortable van with plenty of room and AC, I was taken on a tasty adventure with local expertise, and I want to share it with you. Make sure you come hungry or not at all!

What Makes It Kansas City BBQ?

A local BBQ lover here will tell you that, for it to be the “real” Kansas City BBQ style, it needs a few things. First, the wood used for the cooker must be hickory or oak. It gives it a strong, smoky flavor with a slight sweetness.

The sauce is thick, rich, and sweet thanks to its tomato-and-molasses base. And it needs black pepper as one of the signature spices, added with others for a bit of spiciness at the back end. The consistency helps the sauce cling to the meat, making the meal more enjoyable. All the locations you will be stopping by sell their own sauces, or you can find them at the local supermarket. Find a favorite and bring it home.

What It Takes to Be a Pitmaster

A pitmaster is the expert who controls the whole smoking process. They choose the wood, slice and season the meat, and monitor the cooking times. Something like this cannot be rushed, no matter how empty your stomach is. With the “slow and low” method, it can take hours for the juicy, tender cuts to be ready for consumption.

But you don’t need a pristine culinary education for this. Some started with their backyard smokers at home. Other local pitmasters learned right on the job through trial and error. There are multiple competitions, both state- and country-wide, sponsored by the KCBS (Kansas City Barbeque Society), that have brought up-and-coming chefs onto the KC circuit. Being a pitmaster is just as much art and craftsmanship as it is science and experimentation. And we can all enjoy the hard work put into it.

Kansas City Barbeque Society (KCBS)

You probably never heard of them until now, but this organization sets the global standards for what BBQ should be. As the largest barbecue and grilling organization, they organize and promote competitions worldwide to find some of the best pitmasters and dishes in what they call “America’s Cuisine”. Amateurs just starting out will move to Kansas City to learn the culture and education. Even if you are just a participant in one of these competitions, you can build a pitmaster’s brand and reputation as a BBQ professional.

What to Expect on the KC BBQ Tour

One of the positives of this food tour is that they constantly rotate the itinerary among different BBQ spots across the city. To be eligible to join the food tour, the place must meet certain criteria. It should be in business for a minimum of 20 years, have at least 60% black ownership, and, of course, be Kansas City style. A number of these places make the top 10 lists across various categories, such as Kansas City Food, Top BBQ, and others, every year.

In the culture of Kansas City BBQ, these 3 locations follow in the footsteps of Henry Perry, often called the “father of Kansas City barbecue,” and have set the standard for this cuisine, serving as a goal for all future pit master’s to aspire to. If there were a Mount Rushmore of BBQ, these guys would be the faces.

Arthur Bryant’s Barbeque

The only thing that matches the delicious food here is its world-famous clientele. Since its conception, it’s been visited by actors, US politicians, and BBQ enthusiasts. But don’t expect an upper-class reception or presentation in this restaurant. It has remained simple and unpretentious in its fame. You will find plain tables and simple chairs, with a wall adorned with photographs that showcase its history over the decades. The cooks will tell you, it’s all about the “Qu-ing” and keeping the cuts “Jui-say” in the kitchen.

Your first dish will be a standard plate of ribs, sliced ham, and coleslaw. Nothing fancy in presentation, but still delicious. The three sauce choices are “Original”, “Sweet Heat”, and “Rich and Spicy”. Out of the selection, my favorite had to be the “Sweet Heat” as I was expecting the “Rich and Spicy” to be spicier than it was, and the “Original”, which was enjoyable, just didn’t give me that little extra I was craving on my ribs.

LC’s Bar-B-Q

One of the always-popular old-school barbecue joints in Kansas City, it focuses on smoke-heavy meats, giving it a deeper flavor profile. And you can get a first-person view of this as the open smoker is right behind the counter. Complimenting this is the rustic decor and the feeling of being in a part of the local neighborhood as a BBQ landmark. Keeping it in the family, when the owner and BBQ icon passed, it is now operated by his granddaughter.

What they are particularly known for is the rich burnt ends, a signature of Kansas City BBQ. If this is your first experience with burnt ends, thanks for this article. The crispy yet also tender fatty pieces of beef brisket are a must-order. Add the sides of baked beans (also cooked in the pot with leftover cuts to enrich the flavor) and fried green beans, and your mouth will be watering.

Gates Bar-B-Q

This place is authentic, bold, and loud just like its food. From the iconic welcome as soon as you walk through the doors to the slightly spicier-than-sweet sauce that really brings it home. The tour finishes with a BBQ brisket sandwich, fries, and baked beans.

You can tell it’s Gates by its unique red roof design, with four locations spread across Kansas City. What I did enjoy was that they kept one specific item on the menu only at that particular location, such as wings or custom fries. You won’t find them at any of the others. That way, the love of Gates Bar-B-Q is focused on one place, but it’s spread evenly among all of them.

Conclusion

I left this tour full, satisfied, and almost out of breath. But it wasn’t just about the savory meals you’ll get to enjoy. You will get to see the Kansas City personality in all its humor and familiarity. These places are fun, with staff joking around and bringing that BBQ spirit to life.